Animal Defense League of Texas

Animal Defense League of Texas

Shelter Information

The Animal Defense League was established in 1934 by a group of individuals, âfor the prevention of cruelty to animals; to promote kind and humane treatment of animals; and to aid and assist the enforcement of laws enacted for the prevention of animal cruelty.â
ADL began with just a few makeshift chicken-wire cages in response to a need to shelter stray and injured dogs and cats in the San Antonio area. Along with providing basic shelter and care, emphasis has always been placed on adopting animals to homes where they will receive loving care and attention for the rest of their lives.
In 1961, ADL moved to its present location in the easily accessible northeast part of San Antonio. Its campus encompasses more than 12 acres and includes a two-acre pet park. On the property is an Adoption Center with a small retail store, and a separate 5,000 square-foot Clinic which houses our veterinary hospital that provides onsite spay/neuter surgery, surgery for injured and ill animals, and ongoing medical care for all ADL resident animals.

Areas Served

The Animal Defense League is the largest true 'no-kill' non-profit animal shelter in the Southwest operating in San Antonio, Texas. For over 80 years of continuous operation, thousands of dogs and cats have been taken in by the ADL each year, given needed medical services, then provided food, shelter, and compassion while we search for permanent and loving homes for all of them.

Adoption Instructions

All of the companion animals adopted from ADL are spayed/neutered, current on their vaccinations and microchipped (for identification, if lost). Dogs are also current on heartworm medication.
Puppies under 6 months of age may be adopted for a fee of $150.
Dogs 6 months of age or older may be adopted for a fee of $60.
Kittens under 6 months of age may be adopted for a fee of $75.
Cats 6 months of age or older may be adopted for a fee of $30.
Pet insurance for one month is provided by ADL through a third party free of charge.
Sign in at our Adoption Office.
Visit our kennels and cattery to meet our animals.
Find the animal that you might feel is the right match for you. An Animal Care Specialist will assist you with getting the animal out of the kennel. You should plan at least 20 minutes with the dog you are interested in.
If you already have a dog, you must bring her on a leash with you to see how she gets along with your potential new family member. We have found it to be far less stressful for animals to meet on neutral territory. For safety reasons, please ensure that your dog is wearing her current rabies tag.
Ask the Animal Care Specialist for a holding slip. Take the holding slip to the Adoption Center. Complete an application. Speak one-on-one with an ADL Adoption Counselor. Complete the paperwork.
Take your new family member home!